A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Daily and Intermittent Iron Supplementation in Pregnant Women: A randomized controlled trial
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Abstract
Objective: To compare the efficacy of weekly, three times per week, and daily iron supplementation in preventing anemia in pregnant women.
Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 84 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Somdejprasangkharach 17th Hospital. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 daily iron supplement (DIS) received triferdine one tablet daily; Group 2 thrice weekly iron supplement (TIS) received triferdine one tablet every other day; and Group 3 weekly iron supplement (WIS) received triferdine one tablet and ferrous fumarate one tablet and ½ tablet of folic acid once a week. Side effects of medication, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, were monitored using questionnaires every 4 weeks. Medication adherence was also assessed, and participants were asked to bring their medication to each hospital visit for pill counting. Blood samples were collected for CBC and iron studies again at 32-36 weeks of gestation.
Results: The study found a statistically significant decrease in hemoglobin levels in all groups in the third trimester, with 29.6%, 14.8%, and 40.7% of participants in the DIS, TIS, and WIS group, respectively, meeting the criteria for iron deficiency anemia in the third trimester. The study found no statistically significant difference between the groups. However, ferritin levels decreased significantly differently between the groups, with the lowest values observed in the WIS group. The prevalence of low serum ferritin was 46.4%, 64.3%, and 71.4% in the DIS, TIS, and WIS group, respectively.
Conclusion: Daily or every-other-day iron supplementation did not significantly differ in preventing anemia. Therefore, in cases of severe side effects, every-other-day administration may be considered.
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